Turning 16 is a rite of passage. It’s supposed to be the day when teenagers get their driver’s license.

However, for two El Reno High School students and best friends, turning 16 took on a different meaning last week courtesy of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Instead of having parties with friends and families, Hailey McBroom and Caroline Huber spent their 16th birthdays somewhat isolated.

They did their required schoolwork, went to jobs or worked on sewing face masks for people to wear as virus protection.

Hundreds of vehicles took to cruising Route 66 last week as a show of unity in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The event was set up on social media as a safe way to get out and see other citizens of El Reno but to keep the social distancing guidelines set forth during the COVID-19 pandemic.

El Reno police are working with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation after the body of a man was found Sunday morning in what is an apparent homicide.

Assistant Police Chief Kirk Dickerson said the man’s body was found lying in the street in the 100 block of North Barker.

The body was found about 2:30 a.m. on Sunday. Reports said officers found the man unresponsive and called for an ambulance.

Pafford Emergency Medical Services arrived and declared the man deceased.

Members of the El Reno Public Schools Board of Education were scheduled to meet by teleconference Monday evening.

This was the first time the board collectively used Zoom, a video conference app. Each board member was expected to connect to the app through their phone or computer. In addition, they planned to use their school-issued iPad to read items on the agenda.

While most board members were scheduled to participate remotely, Assistant Superintendent Matt Goucher was on location at the school’s administration office.